10/31/2004
Is that your final choice?
The last recommendations are running today's newspapers. I had been looking forward to the Times-Union's Bush recommendation and its Martinez recommendation but now I'm disappointed. I had expected a full-throated, hyperventilating war-cry, that this is a fight between Good and Evil in which Christianity, the Free Market Economy, the Sanctity of Marriage and the American Way are all at stake. Instead, its tone seems oddly defensive. The worst it can muster against Kerry is that he's "tax-and-spend liberal politician" -- imagine, a politician running for president! -- and he hasn't answered the Swiftboat attack ads. Rather thin gruel.
He may not be smart or able to explain why he does what he does, but he's all right by us.
Likewise, the Martinez editorial seems oddly pro forma. After trying to tie Castor to that wild-and-CER-azzee Howard Howard Dean, it relies on the argument that only a Republican can get Jacksonville the money it needs from the feds for the next round of city projects. Pretty parochial even by T-U standards.
The News-Press also recommends Martinez. Where most papers at least attempted to disapprove of Martinez's relentlessly negative campaign, the News-Press assures us this is OK because everyone else is doing it:
It assures us, that if we knew him, we'd understand "he's a bigger man than that." He just is. Take our word.
Integrity tops intellect and steadfast courage trumps falsified bravery. Bush may not be able to articulate his vision as well as Ronald Reagan, but his deeds surpass his words, which is why we strongly recommend him for another term as president.
He may not be smart or able to explain why he does what he does, but he's all right by us.
Likewise, the Martinez editorial seems oddly pro forma. After trying to tie Castor to that wild-and-CER-azzee Howard Howard Dean, it relies on the argument that only a Republican can get Jacksonville the money it needs from the feds for the next round of city projects. Pretty parochial even by T-U standards.
The News-Press also recommends Martinez. Where most papers at least attempted to disapprove of Martinez's relentlessly negative campaign, the News-Press assures us this is OK because everyone else is doing it:
Martinez has been criticized for playing dirty in his primary battle and in his general election campaign against Castor. To some extent, he did go overboard, but that's the way of the political world these days.
It assures us, that if we knew him, we'd understand "he's a bigger man than that." He just is. Take our word.
